WEDNESDAY'S ILLINOIS PREP ROUNDUP: Marian standout Taylor signs NLI with McKendree

A key in two Marian Catholic IHSA football playoff runs with some dazzling rushing numbers during the last three campaigns, Jeruel Taylor has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his career as a student athlete at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

The son of Kawan Taylor and a University Park resident, Taylor was named the East Suburban Catholic Conference Offensive Player in the Year for 2010 when he rushed for 1,268 yards and 13 touchdowns.

For his career, Taylor rushed for 3,337 yards and scored 32 total touchdowns, leading the Spartans to the IHSA playoffs in 2009 and 2010.

He's a two-time ESCC all-conference selection and has also earned All-Area recognition from The Times.

NOTES

Illinois Lutheran will have a Coaches vs. Cancer boys basketball game at 7:15 p.m. Friday when it hosts Donovan.

The night is sponsored by Wingstop of Lansing and South Holland and will offer ways to raise money for cancer for the American Cancer Society as well as awareness.

There will be special giveaways, according to Illinois Lutheran coach Mark Kjenstad. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.